• Says Article 370 abrogation ended decades of discrimination; claims over 780 terrorists eliminated since 2020
• Sets 2047 vision of prosperous J&K with modern economy, world-class healthcare and quality education
Srinagar | Oct, 31:: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday said Jammu and Kashmir had undergone a significant transformation since 2019, with terror, separatism and stone-pelting giving way to democracy, development and public participation.
Addressing the 8th Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory Foundation Day celebrations, Sinha said the abrogation of Article 370 had provided ordinary citizens access to rights and opportunities that, according to him, had remained denied for decades.
He said the occasion was an important milestone in the region’s journey towards national integration, equality and inclusive development, while paying tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on his birth anniversary.
“Today is not merely a date; it is a milestone that changed the direction of history and strengthened the spirit of national integration, equality and inclusive development,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor said the changes since 2019 had expanded opportunities for citizens and strengthened democratic institutions, pointing to grassroots democratic processes and the conduct of Assembly elections as indicators of increased public participation and accountability.
“Article 370 abrogation gave ordinary citizens freedom from fear and access to rights denied for decades. Jammu Kashmir has emerged as a model of peace, development and good governance,” he said.
On the security front, Sinha claimed that more than 780 terrorists had been eliminated since 2020, local recruitment had ended and incidents of stone-pelting had been wiped out. He said the administration’s zero-tolerance policy against terrorism had helped restore normalcy across the Union Territory.
“We did not buy peace, we established peace. Zero-tolerance policy crippled terror networks and restored normal life across Jammu Kashmir,” he said.
He also highlighted the ongoing action against narco-terrorism, claiming that thousands of drug smugglers and peddlers had been arrested during 2026, while properties linked to illicit activities had been attached and drug-funded structures demolished.
The Lieutenant Governor said those who had allegedly profited from separatism and terrorism stood exposed, adding that people across Jammu and Kashmir were increasingly embracing peace, development and national integration.
Emphasising the need to sustain the gains, Sinha said public trust could not be built through promises alone and called for accountability, justice and responsive governance.
“Public trust must be won not merely by promises, but by deeds. Justice and accountability are the strongest foundations of unity,” he said.
He said the future of Jammu and Kashmir should be shaped by peace, equal opportunities and sustained economic progress, rather than terrorism, discrimination and stagnation.
“The future of Jammu and Kashmir lies not in the shadow of terror, but in the light of peace; not behind the walls of discrimination, but in equal opportunities; and not in stagnation, but in the momentum of progress,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor stressed that development must reach every section of society, particularly those who had remained deprived of opportunities. He said farmers, entrepreneurs, traders, students, workers and other sections would benefit from a stable environment and greater participation in developmental initiatives.
Referring to the aspirations of the younger generation, Sinha said children and youth were increasingly looking towards education, employment, entrepreneurship and innovation. He called for equipping young people with skills suited to the changing global economy and encouraging their participation in sports and enterprise.
He also identified employment generation, youth empowerment, agriculture and allied sectors, healthcare, education, environmental sustainability, tourism, women’s empowerment and transparent governance as key priorities for the coming years.
Calling for modernisation of agriculture, he stressed the adoption of technology, climate-resilient practices and value addition to strengthen the sector. He also underlined the importance of accessible healthcare and quality education in ensuring inclusive growth.
The Lieutenant Governor appealed to people to uphold communal harmony, respect diversity and contribute to the development of the Union Territory. He also stressed the need for collective efforts to facilitate the safe and dignified return of displaced communities and strengthen social trust.
Sharing his vision for the region, Sinha said he wanted Jammu and Kashmir to emerge as a prosperous region by 2047, supported by a modern economy, world-class healthcare, quality education and a vibrant cultural heritage.
“My dream is that by 2047, Jammu Kashmir should emerge as a model of prosperity with a modern economy, world-class healthcare, excellent education and a vibrant cultural heritage,” he said.
“Let us build a Jammu Kashmir where there is trust instead of fear, opportunity instead of scarcity, justice instead of injustice, and where every young person and every woman finds wings for their dreams,” he added.
Earlier, the Lieutenant Governor administered the Unity Pledge and flagged off the Run for Unity to mark Rashtriya Ekta Diwas.
A documentary film produced by the Information Department highlighting Jammu and Kashmir’s transformation was also screened during the event.
Chairperson J&K Waqf Board Dr Syed Darakhshan Andrabi, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat, Additional Chief Secretary Home Chandraker Bharti, Principal Secretary to the Lieutenant Governor Govind Jaiswal, IGP Kashmir Sujit Singh, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg, senior police and civil administration officers, security personnel, prominent citizens, heads of educational institutions, members of civil society and a large number of youth attended the celebrations.
